Maria Rodale Replaces Murphy
Steven Pleshette Murphy will step down as CEO of Rodale September 1 and be succeeded by Maria Rodale, granddaughter of the company founder and daughter of Robert and Ardath Rodale, each of whom led the publisher at different points. Maria Rodale has been with the company since 1987 and chairman since 2007.
Search On for BISG Director
With Michael Healy expected to become executive director of the Book Rights Registry, the Book Industry Study Group has formed a search committee to find a new executive director. Nominations and applications should be sent to G. Angela Henry at BISGEDSearch 2009@gmail.com. The director will be based in New York.
Media Coalition Fights Against Value Speech Statute
The Media Coalition has filed a friend of the court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in what some are calling the most important First Amendment case in 25 years. In the case in question, Robert Stevens was found guilty under a federal statute that prohibits the creation, sale or possession of “a depictor of animal cruelty” with “the intention of placing the depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain.” The law, which includes an exemption for works that have “serious” value, was passed in 1999.
The Media Coalition brief says that the statute is overly broad and could be applied to any depiction of an animal being injured, including books and magazines about bullfighting. Furthermore, the law gives judges and juries wide discretion in determining just what “serious” value is and could lead to regulating speech by balancing the social value of a work against the potential to cause harm.
B&N Adds Wi-Fi
A week after Barnes & Noble opened its own e-bookstore, the chain announced that it is partnering with AT&T to provide free in-store Wi-Fi access to customers at all outlets nationwide. CEO Steve Riggio said providing free Wi-Fi to customers is helping the retailer “[extend] the sense of community that has always been in our stores.”
Linn to Head Quartet Press
Don Linn is leaving as publisher of Taunton Press to head the digital startup Quartet Press, which will launch this fall with 25 romance e-books. Quartet will pay authors a 35% royalty and offer a print-on-demand option.
LibreDigital Raises $15 Million
LibreDigital has closed $15 million in new funding, led by a new investor, Triangle Peak Partners, and existing investor Adams Capital Management. The new capital infusion will be used to expand marketing and development of LibreDigital's digital platform. The company's other investors include HarperCollins. David Pesikoff, president of Triangle Peak, will join the Libre board.
U.K. E-tailer Opens in U.S.
The U.K. online bookseller, BookDepository.co.uk, has opened a U.S. storefront at bookdepository.com. BookDepository.co.uk had sales of $100 million last year with half of that generated from international sources. The U.S. site is a step in the company's move to develop its brand internationally.
